American Tribute was created to provide the middle school or junior high school orchestra with a patriotic salute to our nation. Kathy Fishburn has done this with a combination of well-known songs that include Yankee Doodle, Amazing Grace, and America. While this is an excellent teaching piece, it also provides the perfect ending for any young string orchestra performance.

Featuring the two folk melodies Bonnie Doon and The Minstrel Boy, this work is well-written in the Celtic style and includes an optional harp/piano part.

This is an arrangement for young string players and the three movements may be performed as a suite or individually. The folks song Ash Grove should be played in a legato, lyrical style. The Baroque style of Rondo and Trumpet Voluntary are important for young players to learn. Martele and detache bowings can be reinforced with the performance of this suite. (6 minutes 44 seconds)

Serenade, one of Haydn's most famous melodies, comes from a string quartet in which first violin plays the melody. This lovely adaptation, set in the key of G, allows you to feature either a solo violist or a solo violinist. It could be a guest appearance by a more advanced player, or it could be one of your own young players because the solo remains at the easy level. Great performing opportunities abound!

The well-known melodies in this work include: Country Gardens; Lilliburlero; and Henry Purcell's Trumpet Tune. This is an excellent piece for teaching bowings and features a variety of musical styles from across the Atlantic.